How has the recent war affected education standards for Gaza’s children?
Veneman: I visited Jabaliya Co-educational School in north Gaza, under the Palestinian Authority (PA), where UNICEF is providing educational and recreational supplies. It was surprising how many schools were hit – directly and indirectly, including UNRWA and PA schools and even the American International School was destroyed. Classrooms were devastated by the attacks and UNICEF has provided tents to facilitate continued learning. Education is very important to children, creating a sense of normalcy and routine. Due to the severe damage to six PA schools in northern Gaza, 4,711 students were relocated to seven other PA schools, leading to overcrowding and double shifts. Prior to the hostilities, 151 schools out of 351 were already working in double shifts due to restrictions imposed on construction materials needed to build additional schools. Concrete, cement and other construction materials have not been allowed into Gaza since 5 November, hindering major repairs to damaged schools, h
